Eggs are much used by the Japanese who wish to increase in weight. Meat in no form is used for this purpose. Milk is much used by the few of the Mikado's subjects who are able to secure some of the limited supply of this fluid food. A descendant of the samurai assured the author that he had been able to gain an increase of six pounds in three and one-half weeks on a diet of nothing but milk. Butter and all other oily substances are employed with the same end in view.
In cases of obesity the system that brings about reduction in weight is mainly opposite to that which increases it. Water is used, both externally and internally, just as it is employed in the cases of the over-lean. There is no change in the use of fresh air, or in the amount of clothing. Reduction of weight becomes, in the case of the Japanese, a matter of less food and more exercise. All oily foods are abandoned—or at least are used with a good deal of caution. Exercise is used to a greater extent than is needful for the man or woman of normal weight.
Fasting has been used in this country with
